InCube Renfrewshire

16/05/2023

A great feature on one of our InCube Creative programme graduates Kris of Low Recycled

http://lowrecycled.com

“I should’ve realised sooner as I’d always loved sketching and drawing,” says Kris Mutter, who stopped doing restaurant and coffee shop jobs to set up his own recycled wood furniture design business.

“I sat down for a week, sketched ideas, looked around for inspiration and sat drawing for hours.

“I knew I was going to be rubbish at first, I didn’t have a clue, I couldn’t even cut straight, but I dedicated 12 hour days towards it, got rid of my TV, internet, all distractions.

“I focused, kept going and eventually developed my style, coming up with the chevron design and Low Recycled.”

Kris’ company – based from a workshop behind Renfrew Town Hall – sees him collect discarded wood and break it down into small blocks, removing any imperfections.

He then builds it back up into his own creations with his distinctive pattern, making everything from music record boxes, bedside tables and birdboxes to coffee tables and cutlery holders.

“My passion came from the wood I was finding,” adds Kris. “I search in skips, streets, online, basically anywhere I can find it. I’ve found high-end walnut, nice oak floorboards, beech wood, mango wood from India, even pine has nice grains.

“It’s exciting knowing you’re rescuing something otherwise going to waste.”

What a designer Kris has become, his shy, self-deprecating nature belying his fantastic talent which has led to a big order from the V&A Museum and a regular slot as the woodworker on BBC’s Money for Nothing TV show.

Kris completed our business programme InCube Creative, a free, specialist course helping makers and designers to start and grow their business.

Applications are open now for the next programme starting in June - search ‘Creative business programme’ on the Council website for all the details.

“I really enjoyed the business programme," says Kris. "I could switch off from woodwork and tune into learning about developing a business. I’d just started the website and wanted to learn more about running my own business.

“It was nice to have someone else to talk to and get feedback and reassurance I was on the right track. I learned a lot from it.

“It’s been challenging starting my own business.

“It’s hard work and I never take anything for granted, I know it could all end tomorrow. I want to make more products and I’d like to have another collection, adding more elements, maybe personalised frames and mirrors.

“I’m really proud to be able to showcase what you can do with recycled wood.”

03/05/2023

Great to see our talented designers featuring in Mill Magazine ! Paisley Pins, Susie Rodgers Millinery, Low Recycled, Geraldine McSporran, Karen Hanvidge Ceramics.

InCube Creative Programme Now Open

Applications are now open for the Invest in Renfrewshire InCube Creative programme which provides a fantastic opportunity to launch or grow a creative business with funding and support from industry specialists and advisors.

Successful entrepreneurs will win a package of support for up to 12 months including:
• Advisory support on e-commerce, branding, website creation & social media
• Access to a range of workshops on the “how to” aspects of making your business successful e.g., marketing, book-keeping, sales, customer service, business growth planning
• Business advisory support
• One-to-one online business mentoring
• Opportunity to progress to subsidised/supported studio space

Apply using this link:
https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/InCubeCreative

You can read about the current InCube Creative programme in the brand new issue of Mill Magazine.

28/04/2023

Come and join us for our May Workshops at InCube, 27 High Street, Paisley PA1 2AF. Whether you're starting a business, or need help with bookkeeping or advertising, we're here to help.

All our events are free to attend but spaces are limited. Book now 👉 https://www.bgateway.com/local-offices/renfrewshire/events

21/04/2023

Anyone working from home making products ? We are looking for makers to join our space in Browns Lane which is under development. Email me if you are interested in a space at [email protected]

12/04/2023

Tune into the Gina McKie show on Go Radio today between 2 and 3pm to hear our very own InCube Creative business Lynn of Delightful Designs By Lynn chat to Gina about celebrations, gifting & opportunities. Don't miss it!

Your post-lunch nap will be a thing of the past as household name Gina McKie gets you through with the Afternoon Show.

12/04/2023

Renfrewshire Council is hosting a free event next week preparing Renfrewshire companies to bid for new business.

Renfrewshire businesses of all sizes are welcome to come along and hear how to bid for contracts with us and across the public sector.

From construction materials to ICT equipment, social care services, caterers and translators, contracts big and small are available for local companies, charities and social enterprises to bid for.

Here’s everything you need to know about the event:

• First steps to Bidding for Contracts is on Tuesday 18 April from 9am to 12pm at Tweedie Hall on Bridge Street in Linwood

• We’ll have expert advisers to help you register and use Public Contracts Scotland – the national system where all contract opportunities are advertised

• Small Paisley business Robertson Acom will share their experience on doing business with the council and Morrison Construction will update on sub-contract opportunities coming soon to develop the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus

• You can also speak to our different teams and discover the range of local business support on offer, including funding and grants to go net zero.

• There’s space and time to network and speak one-to-one with the different people presenting

Spaces are limited so you need to confirm your attendance using this eventbrite link:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/first-steps-to-bidding-for-contracts-tickets-567606766117

If you can’t make it along but would like to learn more then email us at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.

Every year, we spend about £200m on goods and services. Find out how to do business with Renfrewshire Council and bid for contracts.

07/04/2023